Shillong, Nov 9: Shillong celebrated water like never before.
Rajya Jal Utsav 2026 turned the State Convention Centre into a vibrant mix of ideas, music, dance and youthful energy on Sunday, as Meghalaya renewed its pledge to protect its most precious resource.
Organised by the PHED under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the festival was graced by Vivekanand Singh Rathore, IPS, DIG, SHQ BSF Shillong, as Chief Guest and Ranjit Das, Scientist/Engineer, NESAC, as Guest of Honour.
Students stole the show. From drawing to story writing to eco-friendly models, young minds from across the state presented bold, community-led solutions on the theme ,”Our Water, Our Future”.
An expert panel on “Water: Our Heritage, Our Responsibility, Our Future” — moderated by Conrad Pariat — stressed the need to save water sources, protect ecosystems and preserve traditional wisdom. Ranjit Das added a futuristic touch, showing how space technology is now helping track and manage water.
Then came the cultural high. A soulful Khasi musical act, the thunderous Wangala Dance of the Garo Hills, and a stirring Pnar dance turned the conservation message into living art — water as heritage, water as life.
The event closed with prizes for the young winners.
For Meghalaya, the message was clear: the future of water is in the hands of its youth and its culture.
